Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, 73, was transferred from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital on Friday after the Supreme Court ordered an independent medical board assessment, marking his longest period outside prison since his August 2023 detention and raising questions about his legal battles and opposition momentum.
The move, carried out early on Aug 21 under tight security, involved hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel escorting Khan to the private facility. The court had given authorities 48 hours to comply, mandating a panel that includes his personal physician, after the government initially challenged the order.
Khan’s hospitalization intensifies scrutiny of his health claims and could ease friction between his PTI party and the powerful military establishment, a factor that may shape upcoming nationwide PTI protests slated for Sep 27 and influence Pakistan’s political stability.
The government maintains medical reports show no urgent condition, disputing PTI’s claim of severe vision loss in Khan’s right eye, while the court’s order hinges on an independent assessment, leaving the exact health status unresolved.